PPL granted right of way to relocate nine poles to allow for widening of Route 100

PPL granted right of way to relocate nine poles to allow for widening of Route 100 (Morning Call file photo)

Kevin DuffySpecial to The Morning Call

Why is PPL relocating nine poles along Route 100?

Not everyone on the East Penn School Board approves of the practices of PPL when it comes to the removal of trees in the vicinity of power lines.

The board approved granting right of way to PPL to relocate nine power poles along Route 100 in Lower Macungie Township necessary for widening the road and the realignment of Sauerkraut Road and Quarry Lane.

Before a 5-3 vote, some voiced concerns.

As per the agreement, the existing poles within 14 feet of the road are to be moved 40 feet inward on land to be conveyed by the district to the Jaindl Land Development Co., and no one on the board voiced objections to that during the Monday evening meeting.

"The school district is obligated to cooperate," board solicitor Marc Fisher said.

But it was language in the agreement regarding the potential removal of trees that had some on the board voicing objections.

School Director Ken Bacher said he wanted language stricken from the agreement that would permit the utility company "to cut down any and all trees within 25 feet each of the centerline of the electric/communication line," as well as the right to trim any trees within that distance "which in the judgment" of PPL would "menace" the lines.

Bacher said the utility indiscriminately cut down mature pine trees along Sauerkraut Road two years ago with no regard to the appearance and character of the community.

School Director Waldemar Vinovskis agreed.

"It was clear-cut and it was a rape of the land," he said.

The proximity of lines to trees, he said, didn't matter.

"They cut everything down in a lazy and careless approach," Vinovskis said.

School Director Charles Ballard, a retired PPL engineer, defended the utility and said it was unfair to criticize its practices and not expect interruptions of service during severe weather that can bring trees down on power lines.

And PPL is within its right to take down any trees that are within its easements, he added.

Board President Alan Earnshaw said the district would be fighting a losing battle locking horns with the utility.